OnlineCheckWriter, from Zil Money, is an online payments platform that includes check printing alongside ACH, wires and mailed checks. Check Writer 123 is browser-based check printing software for Windows, Mac and Chromebook with flat monthly plans from $5.99. This page puts the two side by side so you can see which one fits how you actually print checks.
How we compared: we read each product's public pages in October 2026. We make Check Writer 123, so we are not neutral. We only state what we could see on the other product's site and we word it as listed or according to its site. Prices and features change, so confirm the details with the vendor before you buy.
OnlineCheckWriter and Check Writer 123 at a glance
| OnlineCheckWriter | Check Writer 123 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A payments platform: print checks, send ACH or wires, mail checks, use Positive Pay and connect accounting software, according to its pages. | Focused check printing and record keeping on your own printer. |
| Free | Promotes free check printing. Its own fine print says some no-fee services need a minimum wallet balance (a page we read mentioned $10,000). | Has a free plan: 5 checks a month and 1 bank account, no card, no expiry. Paid plans from $5.99 a month, with a 14-day free trial. |
| Accounting | Lists QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho and Bill.com integrations. | No direct accounting connection. You record each check in your books with the same check number. |
| How you pay for checks | Free printing and wallet-based services, with conditions described on its site. | $5.99 a month (20 checks, 1 bank account), $10.99 (60 checks, 4 accounts) or $25.99 (unlimited). No per-check fees. Every paid plan has all check templates, batch printing and the check register. Logo, signature and cloud backup come with Mid Tier and Unlimited. |
| Paper | Blank stock with MICR or non-MICR printing, according to its pages. | Blank check stock, pre-printed stock or plain paper. |
When OnlineCheckWriter is the better fit
- You want one platform for checks, ACH, wires and mailed payments.
- You want direct accounting integrations and are comfortable funding a wallet.
- You want check mailing handled for you.
When Check Writer 123 is the better fit
- You only want to print checks and keep a clear record, with a flat price and no wallet.
- You want to know exactly what you pay: no balance requirements and no per-check fees.
- You print on blank stock, pre-printed stock or plain paper from any computer.
What does free check printing really cost?
Free is the most attractive word in this search, so read the conditions. A free plan may carry a minimum balance, limits on features, or fees for the services you actually need. We would rather say plainly that Check Writer 123 is paid: a 14-day free trial with no card, then plans from $5.99 a month. See what free check printing software really means for a fair look at the options.
What does Check Writer 123 cost over three years?
| Plan | Monthly | First year | Three years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional (20 checks, 1 bank account) | $5.99 | $71.88 | $215.64 |
| Mid Tier (60 checks, 4 accounts) | $10.99 | $131.88 | $395.64 |
| Unlimited (no limit) | $25.99 | $311.88 | $935.64 |
These are our plain list prices times the months. You also buy your own paper and ink or toner, with any software. If you only ever print a few checks on one Windows PC and are happy to buy software once, a one-time purchase can cost less over many years. Our plans earn their price when you want the same account on every computer, no installs and updates, and no limit on how you print.
How to decide
- List the computers you print from. If one of them is a Mac or a Chromebook, check that the product runs on it natively.
- Count your checks and bank accounts in a typical month, and note whether more than one person prints.
- Decide whether you need a direct accounting connection. If you do, check exactly which accounting systems it supports.
- Use each product's free trial with one real check on plain paper before you buy paper or toner for any of them.
For the full picture, see the check printing software comparison, the buyer's checklist, or read how our cost compares to buying software once. To try Check Writer 123, start the 14-day free trial. No card is needed.